Over the course of the past, short semester, I have acquired new skills regarding technology. Before taking this course, I had no idea how to begin using anything technology related, especially classroom related. I have seen Smartboards and how they are used in classrooms, but had no idea how to use one myself. I also think that technology can enhance a lesson greatly because it is something different and technology does capture the attention of students in this age. Additionally, having spent some time in the high school this past year, I noticed that students become engaged in a classroom with a teacher who uses technology versus one who just chooses to lecture and not use it. I think the biggest challenge will be the disconnect in the teachers, the older teachers are ones who are set in their ways and prefer to teach how they have been teaching instead of adapting to the new age and movement in the classroom.
Everything we were taught was beneficial. Prior to entering the class, all I knew how to do was use a PowerPoint or Word Processor. The tools learned, whether the video editing or Blog, or simply using Google Docs is extremely beneficial when considering group projects or a place to compile information in one spot available anywhere. I think the Wiki is also a great idea to use for a class so that as a teacher you can post course-content such as a weekly overview, assignments, etc.
Moving forward, I am a lot more comfortable with technology and searching for resources. I also have to realize that I have to stay up-to-date with technology, websites, and software to be able to best use it inside and outside of the classroom. Technology is advancing at such a rapid pace that learning about it right now it scares me that next year a course similar to this may be completely different.
Going into the course, I was a little intimidated by the Mac but quickly have learned to love it. It is simple to use and has a variety of software available on it which is helpful.
Thinking about the future applications of this course, I would definitely design a course wiki but depending the district I am in and their level of technology, I would require students to have individual blogs to use throughout the year. This may become helpful in reviewing content come time for a test or final, or for collaboration purposes. Videos, pictures, ideas, etc. can all be shared using these sources too so it brings the classroom home in a sense. However, I think I'd stay away from students creating individual wikis.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Survey of Technology Integration Lesson on Cells
SURVEYMONKEY: Feedback on Cell Technology Lesson
Please take and let me know what you liked/did not like about the lesson! Suggestions for improvement are also appreciated!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Khan Academy Lesson on the Cell
For a better understanding and refresher on the cell and its parts, please review this video from Khan Academy and if you have any questions left regarding cells and cell processes, please let me know in class or through email.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Fun With Technology (aka Screencasts)
Screencast Of How To Navigate My Blog
Screencast on Nautilus Live Expedition
Screencast on Googling Yourself!
This was just my fun with the screencasts! I actually did take a mini-break and head out to Mystic Aquarium where I learned about Nautilus and thought that was really cool, although the website doesn't compare to the presentation I saw about the discoveries. Googling myself was just kind of funny because I did not know some things that would show up! Try it yourself. :)
Screencast on Nautilus Live Expedition
Screencast on Googling Yourself!
This was just my fun with the screencasts! I actually did take a mini-break and head out to Mystic Aquarium where I learned about Nautilus and thought that was really cool, although the website doesn't compare to the presentation I saw about the discoveries. Googling myself was just kind of funny because I did not know some things that would show up! Try it yourself. :)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
My Thoughts on Articles and Video
The two articles, "Five Best Practices for the Flipped Classroom" by Andrew Miller (2012) and "Five Future Technologies That Will Shape Our Classroom" (2012) by Nick Grantham present very different ideas of the future in education. More so the video by Khan raises a lot of questions too and thoughts about how this new type of technological learning will effect children.
Perhaps it is because I myself am not one to like change (well I do like change of scenery, but change in school or in the workplace always drives me crazy even though I adapt). I think that the push to change the entire classroom into what students should be learning and completely changing the style of the classroom is a good start, but I am not sure if everything has been thought through about the realistic, not the idealistic impact of these changes to come.
Of the articles, I would most agree with Andrew Miller in that education reform "is a great first step in reframing the role of the teacher in the classroom" because I think that has been an issue, that teacher's are teaching the way they were taught and have been reluctant to change. I think that the atmosphere of "students sit still with your arms folded looking at and listening to the teacher and not saying a word" type of classroom was limiting, and this was recently looked at and a key issue in educational reformation. Additionally, I do not think that it is the best idea to show videos every class for every subject and assign videos for homework, because too many videos can shut anyone off and not necessarily teach. Depending on the school district and student situation, it is important to keep in mind, as Miller points out, that not everyone may have access to technologies to view a video. I think that rather than videos, engaging models are important and allow the teacher to serve as a guide and incorporate videos or other technologies into teaching. I also think that the model can change based on the students; what works for one district or classroom may not work for another. In Miller's reflection component, I agree that reflective activities should be built in because in the past teachers may have shown a video and not conducted a follow-up with the video, however it could be beneficial if used in the correct way.
The article Grantham wrote on future technologies was just bizarre. Having gone through a good portion of nursing courses and learning about the body just leaves me absolutely speechless with the biometrics approach. I cannot even begin to express my skepticism, and truly wonder if there has or will be any scientific evidence to prove that logic one day. As far as digital textbooks go, it drives me crazy that everyone wants to change everything over to digital. I like hardcopy, and I think that it is easy to flip through a textbook and flip between pages for reference on a topic rather than using a display where you see one, maybe two, pages at a time. I'm starting to think that we are relying on technology way too much and want to use it for too many aspects of everything in life. How bad will our eyesight become if all everyone does is stare at screens at school, home, the gym, cars, etc?
I think a key idea in educational reform is collaboration, and it seems that technology seems to be pushed to the core of collaboration. Businesses seem to collaborate via video conferences all around the world, and now there is a push for students to be doing this with their education? I can see pros and cons to this.
I am most uncomfortable with the idea that holographic displays may be in the future for education...while it seems like a fascinating idea, I just cannot think at what point I see there having to be a limit and a question of, how far do we actually go with technology? Do people think that entertaining forms or multiple forms of technology will make students more interested and apt to learn?
In conclusion, I also found the Khan video interesting and like the fact that he has realized that teachers "micromanage to test" because teachers have a curriculum but focus on making sure students understand what they need to for standardized testing, and teach to the test. For some reason, the educational powers that be (perhaps State & Federal Departments of Education) do not understand that in a sense, teaching to the test because of the test existing hinders other parts in a child's education. I also liked that Khan said that with technologies and this change in the teachers role, classrooms and students will finally be "liberated to communicate with each other". I think that this is important because especially in my generation, we were rarely allowed to communicate during class and if we did because we had a question or something, we would immediately be reprimanded.
Alas, change is approaching the educational field which we are all entering. We have to embrace the change, and make sure the right type of change is being made to benefit all students. It is a scary thought to think where and how our classrooms may be managed and what technologies and scientific information will be known in as little as 5-10 years. All we can do is wait and see!!
Perhaps it is because I myself am not one to like change (well I do like change of scenery, but change in school or in the workplace always drives me crazy even though I adapt). I think that the push to change the entire classroom into what students should be learning and completely changing the style of the classroom is a good start, but I am not sure if everything has been thought through about the realistic, not the idealistic impact of these changes to come.
Of the articles, I would most agree with Andrew Miller in that education reform "is a great first step in reframing the role of the teacher in the classroom" because I think that has been an issue, that teacher's are teaching the way they were taught and have been reluctant to change. I think that the atmosphere of "students sit still with your arms folded looking at and listening to the teacher and not saying a word" type of classroom was limiting, and this was recently looked at and a key issue in educational reformation. Additionally, I do not think that it is the best idea to show videos every class for every subject and assign videos for homework, because too many videos can shut anyone off and not necessarily teach. Depending on the school district and student situation, it is important to keep in mind, as Miller points out, that not everyone may have access to technologies to view a video. I think that rather than videos, engaging models are important and allow the teacher to serve as a guide and incorporate videos or other technologies into teaching. I also think that the model can change based on the students; what works for one district or classroom may not work for another. In Miller's reflection component, I agree that reflective activities should be built in because in the past teachers may have shown a video and not conducted a follow-up with the video, however it could be beneficial if used in the correct way.
The article Grantham wrote on future technologies was just bizarre. Having gone through a good portion of nursing courses and learning about the body just leaves me absolutely speechless with the biometrics approach. I cannot even begin to express my skepticism, and truly wonder if there has or will be any scientific evidence to prove that logic one day. As far as digital textbooks go, it drives me crazy that everyone wants to change everything over to digital. I like hardcopy, and I think that it is easy to flip through a textbook and flip between pages for reference on a topic rather than using a display where you see one, maybe two, pages at a time. I'm starting to think that we are relying on technology way too much and want to use it for too many aspects of everything in life. How bad will our eyesight become if all everyone does is stare at screens at school, home, the gym, cars, etc?
I think a key idea in educational reform is collaboration, and it seems that technology seems to be pushed to the core of collaboration. Businesses seem to collaborate via video conferences all around the world, and now there is a push for students to be doing this with their education? I can see pros and cons to this.
I am most uncomfortable with the idea that holographic displays may be in the future for education...while it seems like a fascinating idea, I just cannot think at what point I see there having to be a limit and a question of, how far do we actually go with technology? Do people think that entertaining forms or multiple forms of technology will make students more interested and apt to learn?
In conclusion, I also found the Khan video interesting and like the fact that he has realized that teachers "micromanage to test" because teachers have a curriculum but focus on making sure students understand what they need to for standardized testing, and teach to the test. For some reason, the educational powers that be (perhaps State & Federal Departments of Education) do not understand that in a sense, teaching to the test because of the test existing hinders other parts in a child's education. I also liked that Khan said that with technologies and this change in the teachers role, classrooms and students will finally be "liberated to communicate with each other". I think that this is important because especially in my generation, we were rarely allowed to communicate during class and if we did because we had a question or something, we would immediately be reprimanded.
Alas, change is approaching the educational field which we are all entering. We have to embrace the change, and make sure the right type of change is being made to benefit all students. It is a scary thought to think where and how our classrooms may be managed and what technologies and scientific information will be known in as little as 5-10 years. All we can do is wait and see!!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Cardiovascular System Trackstar
Cardiovascular System
Click the above link to the Trackstar to learn about the Cardiovascular System. Identify structures of the heart, the path of blood, heart health, and more!
Click the above link to the Trackstar to learn about the Cardiovascular System. Identify structures of the heart, the path of blood, heart health, and more!
Review of Alan November Article
Technology and Education
Alan November presents a very interesting article on the use of technology in classrooms, and if it is truly beneficial or more harmful toward learning.
I am very impressed with the opening paragraph to the article because it immediately captured my attention and sucked me in to wanting to read this article. Just seeing a child having said "Dad, I'm disappointed in you" would make my heart sink if I ever saw or heard a child say that. Children have a perception of the internet being this great resource and if something is from the internet, it is good. It seems that creativity was lacking in the family of the boy who did win that derby, because they researched and used the internet and won rather than being creative with an original idea.
An important statement to consider is November stating "kids are growing up digital". This is so true. I am only 21 myself, but when I was in elementary or middle school, we barely used the internet for research. Recently, this past semester, I had interned in a preschool and the children were spending time in the library playing "educational games" on computers--merely 3 and 4 year olds! How can society justify that, and is it a good idea to expose such young children to these technologies?
I think that it is true that this "is a very exciting time to be alive and to be involved in technology and in education" because this is the age of innovation, or so I have heard that term recently. We can move ahead as a society, but at the same time be moving behind and widening a gap. By schools being focused on technology in the classroom, what happens to the districts that are left behind? Or all the schools in the nation may have technologies, but what if the students at home do not. November states "schools will actually be contributing to the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer" which is true. Going forward to student teaching in the fall in my district, I was told not to require typed assignments because the majority of students do not either have a computer or a printer at home. And yes they could use libraries, but most of them cannot find time to go to a library for other reasons interfering with their education. This has become a foreign concept to me because in college I was so used to everything being required "typed" and never thought to assign anything otherwise.
"Connecting people together is the big change" because now the world is smaller than it ever was with video feeds and being able to cross-country or world-wide connect to other schools, businesses, families, etc. based on the technologies created. However, those who cannot afford such what seem basic "luxuries" that only rifts them apart from the technological world. This form of connecting provides information and communication revolutions, but is viewed upon as technological advancements.
More so, the internet isn't always reliable, but I was surprised by the examples that were provided in this article. The sites should have been reliable--they were ".edu" sites and I would have even questioned reliability (I know my history, but why something like that would be published on an educational, let alone a college site, is beyond my comprehension). Then again, the student should have the skills to move forward and realize that other searches had a plethora of information on the Holocaust so why choose the one site that does not relate to the other finds? They need to be trained to find discrepancies and to search for reliable information. However, I disagree with the statement of "don't teach children to use the Internet unless you're willing to teach them to think and discriminate" because then students may find ideas online and try to pass it off as their own and instead you are faced with copyright and plagiarism issues.
Lastly, the video footage of classrooms and the online course requirement are abstract but seem to be plausible. As a society, it seems that we want a microscopic lens on everything and to always have "evidence". I feel that there will be criticism beyond criticism of videos in the classroom, and may turn off many teachers from wanting to pursue that profession. More so, the idea of the high school or even college-required online classes could be beneficial, but you run the risk of people being dishonest and pretending to take a course for someone else. That is against the integrity and academic codes, but having taken about 10+ online courses myself, no one monitors to make sure all of your reading is done, and even though I did my own work I always wondered what if people had others doing their work? I knew one person who was not strong in math and had a sibling that was good at math take an online math class for them (I found about this after the girl had completed her semester, but the thought never even crossed my mind until I spoke to her and had no idea how to react...because then this person is receiving a degree or credit for something which they didn't do).
It is important to consider the importance of technology, but not to over-rely on everything. Teaching in a lecture or just focusing on material is good, but you cannot rely on a smartboard for every lesson. You need to have a backup plan in case power goes out. Besides, students need to know how to not consult technology for everything--it is a good resource but that is what it is, a resource, not a way of life.
Alan November presents a very interesting article on the use of technology in classrooms, and if it is truly beneficial or more harmful toward learning.
I am very impressed with the opening paragraph to the article because it immediately captured my attention and sucked me in to wanting to read this article. Just seeing a child having said "Dad, I'm disappointed in you" would make my heart sink if I ever saw or heard a child say that. Children have a perception of the internet being this great resource and if something is from the internet, it is good. It seems that creativity was lacking in the family of the boy who did win that derby, because they researched and used the internet and won rather than being creative with an original idea.
An important statement to consider is November stating "kids are growing up digital". This is so true. I am only 21 myself, but when I was in elementary or middle school, we barely used the internet for research. Recently, this past semester, I had interned in a preschool and the children were spending time in the library playing "educational games" on computers--merely 3 and 4 year olds! How can society justify that, and is it a good idea to expose such young children to these technologies?
I think that it is true that this "is a very exciting time to be alive and to be involved in technology and in education" because this is the age of innovation, or so I have heard that term recently. We can move ahead as a society, but at the same time be moving behind and widening a gap. By schools being focused on technology in the classroom, what happens to the districts that are left behind? Or all the schools in the nation may have technologies, but what if the students at home do not. November states "schools will actually be contributing to the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer" which is true. Going forward to student teaching in the fall in my district, I was told not to require typed assignments because the majority of students do not either have a computer or a printer at home. And yes they could use libraries, but most of them cannot find time to go to a library for other reasons interfering with their education. This has become a foreign concept to me because in college I was so used to everything being required "typed" and never thought to assign anything otherwise.
"Connecting people together is the big change" because now the world is smaller than it ever was with video feeds and being able to cross-country or world-wide connect to other schools, businesses, families, etc. based on the technologies created. However, those who cannot afford such what seem basic "luxuries" that only rifts them apart from the technological world. This form of connecting provides information and communication revolutions, but is viewed upon as technological advancements.
More so, the internet isn't always reliable, but I was surprised by the examples that were provided in this article. The sites should have been reliable--they were ".edu" sites and I would have even questioned reliability (I know my history, but why something like that would be published on an educational, let alone a college site, is beyond my comprehension). Then again, the student should have the skills to move forward and realize that other searches had a plethora of information on the Holocaust so why choose the one site that does not relate to the other finds? They need to be trained to find discrepancies and to search for reliable information. However, I disagree with the statement of "don't teach children to use the Internet unless you're willing to teach them to think and discriminate" because then students may find ideas online and try to pass it off as their own and instead you are faced with copyright and plagiarism issues.
Lastly, the video footage of classrooms and the online course requirement are abstract but seem to be plausible. As a society, it seems that we want a microscopic lens on everything and to always have "evidence". I feel that there will be criticism beyond criticism of videos in the classroom, and may turn off many teachers from wanting to pursue that profession. More so, the idea of the high school or even college-required online classes could be beneficial, but you run the risk of people being dishonest and pretending to take a course for someone else. That is against the integrity and academic codes, but having taken about 10+ online courses myself, no one monitors to make sure all of your reading is done, and even though I did my own work I always wondered what if people had others doing their work? I knew one person who was not strong in math and had a sibling that was good at math take an online math class for them (I found about this after the girl had completed her semester, but the thought never even crossed my mind until I spoke to her and had no idea how to react...because then this person is receiving a degree or credit for something which they didn't do).
It is important to consider the importance of technology, but not to over-rely on everything. Teaching in a lecture or just focusing on material is good, but you cannot rely on a smartboard for every lesson. You need to have a backup plan in case power goes out. Besides, students need to know how to not consult technology for everything--it is a good resource but that is what it is, a resource, not a way of life.
Response to Copyright Trackstar
I feel that this Trackstar is a bit outdated, seeing as it was created in 2005. I think that Trackstar is good but as long as the links are kept updated, it could make navigating and getting the information required fairly easy to do all off of one collected spot.
1. Teacher's Guide to Fair Use and Copyright
1. Teacher's Guide to Fair Use and Copyright
- this link was broken and was unable to work, so I cannot answer the questions from information supposed to be found on this site (however, these questions can be answered mostly by subsequent sides)
2. Copyright Unites States Copyright Office
- What is copyright and who does it protect?
- "Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works." It "protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works".
- What is not protected under copyright?
- "facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation"
- Are copyrights automatically secured?
- Yes.
- Do you have to register for copyrights?
- Whoever made this WebQuest did not spellcheck, because "register" is spelled "register" not "registar".
- It is a good idea to register for copyrights so that you are protected, but it is not a requirement.
3. Code of Professional Ethics for Teachers: Use Technology in the Elementary Setting
- I thought this would be a good link to use because it directly relates to education (although in the elementary setting) but unfortunately this link is broken as well.
4. 10 Big Myths About Copyrights Explained
- What year was everything protected and copyrighted?
- Everything after April 1, 1989 was protected and copyrighted regardless of if there was notice of such an occurrence or not. "you should assume for other people's works is that they are copyrighted and may not be copied unless you know otherwise"
- Can you lose copyright protection without notice?
- No, copyright can never be loss unless the person who has it copyrighted gives that right away.
- What symbol represents copyrighted material?
- Trademarks may exist for copyright (names of companies for example) but the symbol, depending if in text, online, etc can be the symbol of the C with the circle around it, or (C), or followed with the "All Rights Reserved".
- What does PD stand for?
- "public domain" for "non-commercial use"
5. Cyberbee
- What is a copyright?
- "Copyright is the law of the United States that protects the works of authors, artists, composers, and others from being used without permission."
- What is "fair use"?
- "Fair use protects the rights of the public to limited use of copyrighted materials."
- "Fair use allows you to use a limited amount of copyrighted material for your educational use."
- "Does it have a nonprofit educational purpose?"
- "What kind of material do you want to use?"
- "Are you using only a small portion?"
- "Will your use deprive the author from making money?"
- Where can you find copyright laws?
- There is no specific link to this.
- Can you use music downloads without permission?
- Songs are copyrighted but there are limitations for their use without permission.
Depending what this WebQuest is geared toward, even though it states Middle/HighSchool/College in the Trackstar, the sites could be useful at different capacities. For example, the fifth source is excellent for children because it is in the Question/Answer format and very to the point. The more "technical site" would be the 2nd source which may have any and all scenarios and in-depth questions/answers.
Overall, it is important to give credit where credit is due and to not get yourself into any legal or financial trouble for copyright purposes. With the age of technology, this is something that is fairly common or seems to be an issue that needs to be given attention to.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
TCPCG DAY 1!
I am very excited to be starting this program today. I was able to look forward to class, and I think the Technology course is a good course to begin the week with, because it is allowing me to become familiar with using the Mac and benefiting from the knowledge of other classmates in terms of knowledge of Mac use. I have always been a PC user and although I have always wanted a Mac, I never had one around me so I am not sure how they work or what techniques and software they are equipped with.
The day has been going by at a nice pace, and I feel as if I have learned so many new things already. I have never used a google doc before, and I like to see the features and the collaboration that is able to occur from using an online resource. This is also the first time I have ever used or created a blog, so I am looking forward to see what this and the Wiki can do. I like that the course is opening up avenues that we could refer to when teaching within the classroom, and if it is in a district where technology is available, could be utilized within the classroom to enhance learning or collaboration in team projects, etc.
I feel anxious but at the same time I am looking forward to all that I will learn with regard to technology over the next few weeks. I think this course will allow me to be creative and explore different means of using technology for enhancement within the education system.
I am very excited to be starting this program today. I was able to look forward to class, and I think the Technology course is a good course to begin the week with, because it is allowing me to become familiar with using the Mac and benefiting from the knowledge of other classmates in terms of knowledge of Mac use. I have always been a PC user and although I have always wanted a Mac, I never had one around me so I am not sure how they work or what techniques and software they are equipped with.
The day has been going by at a nice pace, and I feel as if I have learned so many new things already. I have never used a google doc before, and I like to see the features and the collaboration that is able to occur from using an online resource. This is also the first time I have ever used or created a blog, so I am looking forward to see what this and the Wiki can do. I like that the course is opening up avenues that we could refer to when teaching within the classroom, and if it is in a district where technology is available, could be utilized within the classroom to enhance learning or collaboration in team projects, etc.
I feel anxious but at the same time I am looking forward to all that I will learn with regard to technology over the next few weeks. I think this course will allow me to be creative and explore different means of using technology for enhancement within the education system.
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